Bullet casings recovered from the scene of Charlie Kirk’s assassination were found to have messages etched into them, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox revealed. These inscriptions are being seen as possible clues to the shooter’s motive, and some may reflect online meme culture.
One fired casing was inscribed with: “Notices, bulges, OwO what’s this?” Unfired casings carried messages including “Hey fascist! Catch!”, “Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao”, and “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.” The “Bella Ciao” reference ties to the Italian anti‑fascist resistance song. The “OwO” and “what’s this?” phrase is found in internet and gaming / furry meme communities.
Gov. Cox disclosed this during a Sept. 12 press conference, where 22‑year‑old Tyler Robinson was named as the suspect. Also revealed: a bolt‑action rifle believed to be the weapon was recovered wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking.
Cox said the casing inscriptions “speak for themselves,” suggesting strong ideological elements may have been at play. He did not release any photos of the inscriptions, nor clarify exact spellings or formatting.
Investigation also uncovered online chats in which Robinson allegedly discussed retrieving a rifle, leaving it wrapped, and admitted political hostility toward Kirk. The suspect was later arrested after a family member shared evidence.
